Rodri last night claimed the Ballon d’Or in Paris. City’s midfield general’s win is a testament to his consistency and dominant performances over a period of time. But more than that Rodri’s win is a testament to the strength of Manchester City as a club. City are built in a manner that the best players in the world can shine. That is a testament to the City hierarchy, who have created an environment where the very best in the game can do what they do best.
Manchester City is a club that is set up for dominance on the pitch. The players know that when they sign for City they will be given every available opportunity to get the best out of themselves. Players such as Erling Haaland, Rodri, Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne are a testament to this fact under Pep Guardiola. Before that, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and David Silva established themselves as world class players at Manchester City. This exemplifies that City is the ideal environment for a player to reach his peak. Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win further emphasises this fact.
That fact cannot be disputed. You only have to look at City’s rivals to see the Manchester City influence throughout England. Chelsea hired Enzo Maresca as manager. Maresca is a Pep Guardiola disciple. Omar Berrada is now Manchester United’s CEO after a lengthy tenure at the world champions. There are more examples of this across England and Europe. City’s rivals are trying to create what Manchester City have on and off the pitch. That has become clear in recent seasons.
Speaking after his Ballon d’Or triumph Rodri was quick to thank Manchester City as a club. The Spanish international believes he is at the best club in the world. Upon receiving the prestigious award he said: “Obviously I don’t want to forget my team-mates. I understand that football is a group game. Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn’t have made this without you. For me this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis for trusting me.”
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph is a testament to Rodri the player. But it is also a triumph for Manchester City as a club. Erling Haaland had been the closest City player to claiming the Ballon d’Or before Rodri’s famous win last night. But now Rodri has completed that feat. It is validation for everything City provides it players. The platform is there for a player to be the best he can be at the world champions. That cannot be disputed after Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph in Paris.